Change dispenser



y 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS GUNNAR E.SUNDBLAD BY ROLF B. ANDRE/V ATTORIVE Y5 y 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 l N VE N TORSGUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDRE N July 14, 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS GUNNAR E.SUNDBLAD ROLF B- ANDREN BY MIW ATTORNE YS July 14, 196 G. a. SUNDBLADETAL 3,140,755

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS GUNNARE.SUNDBLAD ROLF BANDRE N MJZMMWW ATTORNEYS y 14, 1954 G. E. SUNDBLADETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6. 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VE N TORS GUNNAPE. SUNDBLAD BYROLF B. A NDPEN ATTORNE vs July 1 9 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL3,140,755

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS GUNNAP E.SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDPEN July 1 1964 G. E. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed July 6, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS GUNNARE.SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDREN y 14, 1964 s. SUNDBLAD ETAL 3,140,765

CHANGE DISPENSER Filed y 6. 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INV E N TORS GUNNAI?E. SUNDBLAD ROLF B. ANDRE N M,MZW W CHANGE DISPENSER 9 Sheets-Sheet 9Filed July 6, 1960 INVENTORS GUNNAR E. SUNDBLAD BY ROLF B. ANDRE N M,We},

FIG. 10

United States Patent C) 3,140,765 CHANGE DISPENSER Gunner E. Sundhlad,Bromine, and Rolf B. Andren, Bandhagen, Sweden, assignors to SvenskaDataregister AB, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Filed July6, 1960, Ser. No. 41,178

Claims priority, application Sweden Juiy 9, 1959 28 Claims. (Cl. 194-9)This invention relates to a coin dispensing apparatus and, moreparticularly, to a coin dispensing mechanism and a change computingmeans for controlling the operation of the coin dispensing mechanism.

In establishments, such as restaurants and supermarkets, in which alarge volume of cash sales pass through a single cashier position, asubstantial delay in com pleting each transaction is presented by thetime required to determine the difference between the purchase price andthe amount tendered and to return the amount of the difference to thepurchaser. In addition, another delay in completing each transaction isoccasioned by the time consumed in receiving coins from the purchaser,determining the value of the received coins, and placing the receivedcoins in proper receptacles, such as the various compartments of thedrawer of the cash register. In an attempt to reduce the length of thesedelays, a number of different types of key controlled change dispensershave been proposed. However, these dispensers require the mentaldetermination of the values of the coins received and the amount to bereturned, and the selection and manual operation of the proper dispenseroperating key or keys. In other arrangements, a unit of data handlingapparatus, such as a cash register, is provided with the amount of thepurchase and the amount tendered, and the cash register determines thedifference between the amounts and operates a connected change dispenserto discharge the correct coins. These arrangements also require themental determination of the values of the coins received and the manualseparation of the received coins into the proper receptacles therefor.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved coin dispensing apparatus.

Another object is to provide a new and improved mechanism for dispensingone or more coins of one or more denominations.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism in which aselected number of a plurality of coin ejecting slides are actuated inaccordance with the numbers and value of coins to be discharged.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including newand improved means for automatically generating signals representing thevalues of coins inserted into the mechanism.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including newand improved means for insuring the insertion of different denominationcoins in only the correct ones of a plurality of receptacles therefor.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing mechanism including newand improved means for determining the number of coins in a dispensingmagazine or receptacle.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including acoin dispensing means having a change computing circuit for receivingsignals representing the values of the coins placed in the dispensingmeans and for at least partially determining and controlling the numberand value of the coins to be discharged by the dispensing means.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including acoin dispensing means controlled by signals generated by means actuatedby coins.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus 3,140,755Patented July 14, 1964 including coin dispensing means connected to acomputing circuit that is sequentially supplied with signalsrepresenting a first amount and a second amount so that the coindispensing means is automatically operated to dispense coins in theamount of the difference between the first and second amounts.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus having coindispensing means that are: automatically operated by signalsrepresenting tendered coins which include means for indicating when thevalue of the coins tendered equals or exceeds an amount to be charged.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus in which achange computing means is continuously connected to a coin dispensingmeans during the operation of the computing means by signalsrepresenting tendered coins so as to permit the mechanism to be operatedto dispense the coins in the amount of the difference between the amountto be charged and the amount tendered at any given moment.

Another object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including acomputing circuit for operating a coin dispensing means to dischargecoins in an amount equal to the amount of coins tendered plus thedifference be tween the lowest value bill or note and the amount of thecharge whenever the amount tendered is less than the amount to becharged.

A further object is to provide a coin dispensing apparatus including aplurality of counting circuits that are operated by signals representinga charge and signals representing an amount tendered so as to providemeans for controlling the discharge of coins by a change dispensingmechanism.

In accordance with these and many other objects, a coin dispensingapparatus embodying the present invention includes a coin dispensingmechanism for receiving and dispensing coins in all the denominations upto the lowest value bill or note and a change computing circuit forcontrolling the operation of the coin dispensing mechanism. The changecomputing circuit comprises a plurality of individual counting circuitsthat are supplied with signals from a related data handling unit, suchas a cash register, representing the portion of a charge represented bya stun below the value of the lowest value note or bill. The changecomputing circuit is operated by these signals to condition the coindispensing mechanism to discharge coins in an amount equal to thedifference between the amount of the charge and the amount representedby the lowest value bill.

The cashier then inserts any coins tendered by the purchaser into thecoin dispensing mechanism, and this mechanism returns signals to thechange computing circuit representing the value of the coins tendered.In response to the receipt of these signals, the: change computingcircuit is operated to a setting representing the difference between thecharge and the amount tendered to condition the coin changing mechanismto dispense proper change. If the coins tendered are equal in value tothe coin portion of the charge, the coin dispensing mechanism does noteject any change when this mechanism is actuated following the insertionof the tendered coins into the coin dispensing mechanism. If the valueof the coins tendered exceeds the coin portion of the charge, theactuation of the coin dispensing mechanism discharges the excess invalue of the coins tendered over the charge. Alternatively, if the valueof the coins inserted into the dispensing mechanism is less than thecoin portion of the charge, the actuation of the coin dispensingmechanism causes the discharge of the sum of the coins tendered and thedifference between the charge and the value of the lowest denominationalbill or note. If no coins are insertedinto the coin dispensing mechanismfollowing the transfer of the charge to the change computing circuit,the actuation of the coin dispensing mechanism causes the ejection ofcoins equal to the difference between the charge and the value of thelowest denominational bill or note.

The coin changing mechanism comprises a plurality of transparentvertically extending cylinders of different sizes, each adapted toreceive a plurality of vertically stacked coins of a given denomination.The upper ends of the cylinders are each in communication with an individual coin inlet means for receiving tendered coins, and the lowerends of these cylinders each communicate with a coin ejecting means forejecting one or more coins from the cylinder. Each of the coin inletmeans includes two spaced coin detecting or gauging assemblies forpreventing the insertion of under or over sized coins into theassociated coin receiving cylinder so as toinsure that only proper valuecoins can be placed in the different cylinders. These two coin detectingmeans also actuate contact means for generating and transmitting to thechange computing circuit a signal representing the value of the insertedcoins. The coin ejecting means comprises a plurality of laterallyshiftable slides having coin receiving openings normally disposed inalignment with the lower opening of the related storage cylinder. Theejecting means also includes a plurality of solenoids connected to andcontrolled by the change computing circuit for selectively connectingone or more of the slides in the ejecting means associated with each ofthe cylinders to a common actuating means. When the coin dispensingmechanism is actuated, the common actuating means shifts the effectivecoin slides out of alignment with the cylinders and into alignment Withdischarge openings through which coins in the selected values andnumbers are discharged to the cashier. The coin dispensing mechanismalso includes both manually actuated keys for dispensing a single coinfrom each of the cylinders and detecting means for determining thepresence of an adequate number of coins in each of the cylinders.

The change computing circuit comprises a plurality of counting rings,preferably formed of controlled conduction devices such as transistors,that are connected in a single counting chain. The counting capacity ofthe rings forming the counting chain is equal to the value of the lowestvalue note or bill, and the individual stages of the counting rings arecontinuously connected to the solenoids in the change computingmechanism to control the operation thereof. The lowest ordered countingrings are connected to a first source of signals representing the coinportion of the amount of a charge, such as a cash register, so that thechange computer is operated to a setting representing the coins portionof the charge. Following the transfer of this information, the firstsignal source operates the counting rings to the complement of theentered first amount so that the coin changing mechanism is conditionedto dispense the difference between the charge and the value of thelowest denomination note or bill. Accordingly, if the change dispensingmechanism is operated at this time, this amount of change is returned tothe cashier.

Each of the counting circuits or rings in the change computing circuitis also connected to the signal generating means provided in the coininlets to the coin dispensing mechanism. When coins are tendered to thecashier and inserted into the coin dispensing mechanism through theproper coin inlet means, the counting rings are provided with signalsrepresenting the values of the inserted coins, and the total amountstanding in the change computing circuit is reduced by the values ofthese coins. Accordingly, whenever the change dispensing mechanism isactuated, coins are dispensed in number and value corresponding to thedifference between the charge and the amount tendered in coin. When thevalue of coins tendered exceeds the coin portion of the charge, thechange computing circuit produces a visible indication of this fact. Thechange computing circuit is reset to a normal condition either under thecontrol of the cash register or under the control of a signal suppliedby the coin dispensing mechanism when this mechanism is actuated todispense change.

Many other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from considering the following detailed description inconjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a coin dispensing apparatus embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1 used for dispensing coins of one denomination, such aspennies, which illustrates the details of a coin inlet means;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, in partial section, of the portion of thecoin dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 2 with the coin inlet meansremoved;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a reduced sectional view taken along line 55 in FIG. 2 showinga coin ejecting means in a normal position.

FIG. 6 is a reduced sectional view similar to FIG. showing the coinejecting means in an actuated condition;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the elements of the coin inletmeans;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the components ofthe coin ejecting means;

FIG. 9 is a logic diagram of a change computing circuit for controllingthe coin dispensing means;

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a signal generator controlled by thecoin inlet means; and

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating the interconnection of onestage of a counting circuit in the change computing circuit and asolenoid forming a part of the change ejecting mechanism.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, a COll'l dispensingapparatus embodying the present invention in cludes a coin dispensingmechanism 20 (FIG. 1) mounted on a suitable supporting structure 22 fordispensing coins under the control of a change computer circuit,indicated generally as 24 (FIG. 9). The change computing circuit 24 issupplied with signals from an external unit of data handling equipment,such as a cash register 26, representing the portion of a charge orfirst amount that is less than the value of the lowest denomination noteor bill in the system of currency, and this first amount is stored inthe change computing circuit 24 in its complementary form so that thecoin dispensing means 20 is conditioned to dispense the differencebetween the first amount and the value of the lowest denomination noteor bill. Therefore, if the coin dispensing means 20 is actuated at thistime, coins in number and value corresponding to this difference aredispensed.

If one or more coins are tendered to the cashier in payment for thecharge represented by the first amount supplied from the cash register26, the cashier inserts these coins into the change dispensing means 29,and this means supplies signals to the change computing circuit 24 sothat this circuit is operated to a setting representing the differencebetween the first amount and the total value of the coins tendered. Ifthe amount tendered by the purchaser is equal to the portion of thetotal charge transferred to the change computing circuit 24 from thecash register 26, the operation of the coin dispensing means 21 does notresult in the discharge of any coins. If, on the other hand, the coinstendered exceed in value the first amount stored in the change computingcircuit 24, the actuation of the coin dispensing means 20 results in thedischarge of the excess in the value of the coins tendered over thefirst amount. Alternatively, if the coins tendered total an amount lessthan the first amount, the actuation of the coin dispensing means 243results in the discharge of coins having a value equal to the sum of thecoins tendered and the difference between the first amount and the valueof the lowest denomination bill or note. When the coin dispensing means28 is operated, the change computing circuit 24 is restored to a normalcondition.

Referring now more specifically to the coin dispensing means ormechanism 28, this means comprises a main supporting frame or housing 28having a separate top element 38 surrounded on three sides by a rib 38ato provide a table or tray for receiving coins tendered to the cashierby a customer. A notched plate 32 pivotally mounted on the frame 28defines five separate inlet means 34, 36, 38, 4t and 42 through whichcoins disposed on table 30 can be moved into five transparent cylinders44, 46, 48, 58, and 52 in which are stored vertically extending stacksof pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars, respectively.The lower end of each of the cylinders 44, 46, 48, 5t), and 52communicates with an individual one of a plurality of coin ejectingassemblies 54 (FIG. 5) which are capable of ejecting one or more coinsfrom the related cylinder under the control of information supplied tothe coin dispensing means 28 from the change computer 24. When change isto be dispensed, an outlet funnel 56 is deflected from the normalposition shown in FIG. 5 to the displaced position shown in FIG. 6 tocause the selective actuation of the plurality of coin ejectingassemblies 54 in accordance with the information supplied from thechange computing circuit 24 so that the coins in the correct number andvalue are dispensed.

The coin dispensing means illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings is shownas including seven coin receiving and dispensing channels, only five ofwhich are necessary in dollar areas. The remaining two coin receivingand dispensing assemblies are provided for use in other currency areas,such as the sterling area, to provide means for handling all of thedifferent value coins up to the lowest value bill or note. The coindispensing apparatus disclosed in the present application is describedwith reference to use in a dollar area, and the coin dispensing means 20can be constructed without including the coin receiving and dispensingassemblies having the unnumbered coin inlet means and coin receivingcylinders illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings.

As indicated above, the coin dispensing means 28 in cludes five coinreceiving and dispensing assemblies for handling pennies, nickels,dimes, quarters, and half dollars. All of these assemblies are basicallythe same except that different ones of the assemblies are provided withdifferent means in the ejecting assemblies 54 for ejecting differentnumbers of coins from the related storage cylinder in accordance withthe number of coins that must be discharged in dispensing change. FIGS.28 of the drawings illustrate the details of an assembly for receivingand storing pennies that is capable of either manually ejecting a singlepenny or of automatically dispensing any number of pennies up to fourunder the control of the change computer 24. Since the change computer24 is adapted to control the discharge of change for the portion of acharge having a value less than the value of the lowest denominationbill or note, i.e., a one dollar bill, and, since the coin dispensingapparatus 20 is designed to discharge the lowest possible number ofcoins in the change, the coin ejecting assemblies 54 associated with thequarter and half dollar cylinders 56 and 52 are only capable ofdispensing a single coin under the control of the change computer 24.Similarly, the ejecting assembly 54 associated with the nickels cylinder46 requires means for ejecting only a single nickel, and the assembly 54associated with the dimes cylinder 48 requires means for automaticallyejecting only one or two coins under the control of the computer 24.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 2-8 of the drawings, therein isshown a penny receiving and discharging assembly including the inletmeans 34 for supplying pennies to the cylinder 44 and the ejectingassembly 54 for discharging either a single penny into the outlet funnel56 by manual actuation or of any number of pennies up to four under thecontrol of the change computer 24. The coin receiving cylinder 44 ismounted between two spaced plates in the supporting frame 28 so that theupper opening to the cylinder 44 is received in an opening 57 (FIG. 7)in the frame 28 and is disposed beneath the plate 32 in alignment with anotch 58 formed in this plate which provides a part of the inlet means34. The lower opening in the cylinder 44 is disposed above andcommunicates with the coin ejecting assembly 54. A pair of plates 60mounted on the upper surface of the table 36) below the plate 32 provideguide means for directing pennies through the inlet means 34 anddownwardly into an opening 62 in the top plate 30 that is aligned withthe open upper end of the cylinder 44.

The inlet means 34 includes means for gauging the size of the coinadvanced through the inlet means 34 to insure that only coins of correctsize, i.e., pennies, can be inserted into the cylinder 44. In addition,the inlet means 34 includes means for generating a penny representingsignal that is forwarded from the coin dispensing means 20 to the changecomputer 24. In general, this means comprises a first pair of coinengaging elements that are actuated to a displaced position to pass onlycoins of the correct size or smaller, and a second coin engaging elementnormally locked in a position obstructing the inlet means 34 but whichis released in response to deflection of the first coin engaging means.Thus, the second engaging or detecting means blocks coins of smallerthan a proper size. The first and second coin engaging means actuatecontact means for generating a signal representing the insertion of onepenny.

The first coin engaging or detecting means comprises a pair of coinengaging rollers 64 and 66 (FIGS. 2 and 7) which are carried on a pairof levers 68 and '70, respectively, and which extend upwardly throughtwo pairs of openings '72 and 74 formed in the main frame 28 and in thetop plate 38, respectively. A sleeve bearing 76 secured to one end ofthe lever 68 receives a pivot pin 78 carried on the lower surface of themain frame 28 to pivotally mount the lever 68, and a pivot pin or stud88, which is also secured to the lower surface of the main frame 28, ispivotally received in a sleeve bearing 82 carried at one end of thelever 70. A pair of lock washers 84 carried on the lower ends of thepivot pins 78 and hold the levers 68 and 78 in position on these pivotpins. The other ends of the levers 68 and 70 are connected by a tensionspring 86 so that the edges of the rollers 64 and 66 are normally biasedinto engagement with the edges of the openings '74 (FIG. 2).

The second coin engaging or detecting means for blocking the insertionof undersized coins into the cylinder 44 and for partially controllingthe generation of a signal representing an inserted coin comprises aroller 88 that is rotatably mounted between a pair of arms 90a on a pairof similar elements 98 that are connected together by a rivet 92 to forma supporting bracket for the roller 88. The bracket formed by theelements 90 is pivotally mounted on the frame 28 by a bracket 94 whichis secured to the upper surface of the frame 28 and which includes apair of depending lugs 94a that extend downwardly through both a pair ofopenings in the frame 28 and an opening 96 formed in the levers 68 and70. A pivot pin 98 carried in openings formed in the lugs 94a isreceived within openings formed in a pair of lugs 90b on the elements 90to pivotally mount the supporting bracket for the roller 88 on the mainframe 28. A tension spring 109 connected between a depending lug 28a anda pin 182 mounted in two projections 900 on the elements 90 normallybiases the bracket provided by the elements 90 in a counterclockwisedirection (FIG. 5) so that the roller 88 and the arms 90a projectupwardly through a notch or opening 104 (FIGS. 2 and 7) in the edge ofthe opening 57 to position the roller 88 in a position obstructing orblocking passage of a coin through the coin inlet 34. Thiscounterclockwise rotation of the elements 90 is limited by theengagement of the upper edges of the elements 1'0 with the downwardlyprojecting lug 28d.

As indicated above, the actuation of the first detecting means providedby the rollers 64 and 66 controls the freedom of movement of the secondcoin engaging means or roller 88, and the movement of both of the coinengaging means provided by the rollers 64, 66, and 88 controls theactuation of contact means for generating a signal indicating that acoin has been advanced through the inlet means 34 into the cylinder 44.To accomplish this, a pair of levers 104 and 106 are provided to whichare secured a pair of sleeve bearings 108 and 110. The bearings 108 and110 are pivotally mounted on a pair of pivot pins 112 and 114 secured tothe lower surface of p the main frame 28, and the levers 104 and 106 aresecured in position by a pair of spring washers 116 which are carried onthe lower ends of the pins 112 and 114. In the normal condition of thecoin inlet 34, a tension spring 118 connected between the levers 104 and106 biases a pair of lugs 104a and 106a into engagement with the outeredges of the levers 68 and 70. In this position, the free ends of thelevers 104 and 106 and a pair of lugs 10412 and 10617 formed thereon areinterposed between the lower surface of the frame 28 and the uppersurface of a pair of shoulders 90d formed integral with the elements 90.The end portions of the levers 104 and 106 prevent clockwise rotation ofthe elements 90 (FIG. and thus maintain the roller 88 in a positionobstructing the coin inlet 34.

The coin inlet means 34 includes a normally closed switch assembly 120(FIGS. 2 and 7) that is mounted on the lower surface of the frame 28immediately adjacent one end of the lever 106 by a bracket 122 and anormally open switch assembly 124 that is mounted on the lower surfaceof the frame 28 near one end of the lever 104 by a bracket 126. Toprovide means for actuating the switch assembly 120 to an open conditionwhen the first coin engaging means including the rollers 64 and 66 isoperated to a displaced position, one end of the lever 106 is providedwith an upturned lug 106a to which a dielectric operator element 128 isconnected. This element normally engages one of the springs in theswitch assembly 120 so that counterclockwise movement of the lever 106(FIG. 2) separates the two springs in the switch assembly 120.

To provide means for actuating the switch assembly 124 to a closedcondition, the deflection of the roller 88 when a coin is advanced intothe receptacle 44 is utilized. More specifically, an L-shaped arm 130pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 112 includes an upstanding lug 130ato which a dielectric operator element 132 is secured. The element 132normally bears against the longer of the two contact springs in theswitch assembly 124. The other end of the L-shaped arm or lever 130 isconnected to a link 134 which is pivotally mounted on the pin 102. Whenthe bracket provided by the elements 90 is pivoted in a clockwisedirection about the pin 08 (FIG. 5) during the insertion of a coin intothe cylinder 44, the link 134 moves to the left (FIG. 2) to pivot thelever 130 in a counterclockwise direction. This deflects the longer ofthe springs in the switch assembly 124 into engagement with the otherspring in the assembly 24.

When a coin is advanced from the coin table 30 into the coin inlet means34, the leading edge of the coin engages the rollers 64 and 66 andpivots the levers 6S and 70 in counterclockwise and clockwise directions(FIG. 2), respectively, against the force of the tension spring 86. Ifthe coin is of the correct diameter, it passes between the rollers 64and 66. However, if the diameter of the coin is too great, the edges ofthe rollers 64 and 66 engage the edges of the opening 74 to positivelyblock entrance of the com.

When the levers 68 and 70 are pivoted in counterclockwise and clockwisedirections (FIG. 2), the ends of these levers bear against the lugs 104aand 106a so that the lever 104 is pivoted in a clockwise direction andthe lever 106 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, this relativemovement of the levers 104 and 106 extending the tension spring 118.When the lever 106 moves in a counterclockwise direction, the operator128 secured thereto actuates the switch assembly to an open position inwhich its contact springs are not in engagement. Further, when thelevers 104 and 106 are pivoted in opposite directions, the free ends ofthese levers and the upstanding lugs 10411 and 106k move out ofalignment with the shoulders 90d on the elements 90 to free thesupporting bracket for the roller 08 for movement.

As the coin is further advanced by the cashier toward the opening 62,the leading edge of the coin engages the roller 88. If the diameter ofthe inserted coin is less than that of a penny, this coin has notengaged and displaced the rollers 64 and 66, and the levers 104 and 106remain in a position blocking any movement of the elements 90.Accordingly, an undersized coin cannot be inserted into the magazine orcylinder 44. However, if the rollers 64 and 66 have previously beendeflected to displace the levers 104 and 106, the engagement of theroller 88 by the leading edge of the penny pivots the elements 90 in aclockwise direction (FIG. 5) to remove the obstruction from the inletmeans 34 so that the penny can enter the opening 62 in the top plate 30and drop into the upper opening of the coin storing cylinder 44. Whenthe elements 90 are pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about thepin 98 against the action of the spring 100, the link 134 is moved tothe left (FIG. 2) to pivot the lever in a counterclockwise direction.This displaces the operator element 132 so that the longer of thecontact springs in the switch assembly 124 is moved into engagement withthe other contact spring. Thus, the switch assembly 124 is actuated to aclosed circuit condition. Further, when the elements 90 are pivoted in acounterclockwise direction, a pair of offset and upwardly extending arms136 thereon, which are normally disposed in two pairs of alignedopenings 133 and 140 in the frame 28 and the top plate 30, respectively,are moved upwardly beyond the upper surface of the plate 30 to obstructthe entrance to the coin inlet 34. This prevents the insertion ofadditional coins into the inlet means 34 until such time as the coinengaging elements 64, 66, and 88 have been returned to their normalpositions.

As the penny moves beyond the rollers 64 and 66 and into engagement withthe roller 88, the tension spring 86 pivots the levers 68 and 70 inclockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively, to their normalpositions (FIG. 2). With these levers in this position, it is impossibleto withdraw the penny from the coin inlet means 34 because the pivotpoints for the levers 68 and 70 on which the rollers 64 and 66 aremounted are diagonally offset from each other. Thus, when a penny ismoved into engagement with these rollers by movement to the left (FIG.2), the levers 68 and 70 tend to pivot in a direction in which therollers 64 and 66 bear against the edges of the openings 74. Thisprevents any separation of the rollers that would permit the withdrawalof the coin. In addition, when the levers 68 and '70 return to theirnormal positions, the tension spring 118 tends to restore the levers 104and 106 to their normal positions. However, the inner edges of the lugs10412 and 1061) now bear against the sides of the elements 90 which havebeen moved to a position interposed between the lugs 104i) and 106b, andthese levers are blocked from return to their normal positions.

When the penny passes beyond the roller 88 and drops through the opening62 into the cylinder 44, the spring 100 pivots the elements 90 in acounterclockwise direction (FIG. 5) to their normal position in whichthey engage the projecting lug 28a. As the shoulders 90d on the elements90 drop below the levers 104 and 106, the tension spring 118 returnsthese levers to their normal positions so that the switch assembly 120is restored to its normal closed circuit condition. Further, as theelements 90 pivot in a counterclockwise direction, the link 134 moves tothe right (FIG. 2) to pivot the lever 136 in a clockwise direction sothat the switch assembly 124 is restored to its normal open circuitcondition. In the normal positions of the levers 104 and 166, the lugs104]) and 106k are again interposed between the lower surface of theframe 28 and the shoulders 90d to prevent movement of the roller 88 fromits position obstructing passage of a coin through the inlet means 34 tothe cylinder 44.

Although any suitable generating means can be controlled by the switchassemblies 120 and 124 to provide a signal indicating the insertion of acoin into the cylinder 44, FIG. 10 of the drawings illustrates arepresentative circuit for generating a negative-going pulse in responseto movement of a penny beyond the roller 88 and into the cylinder 44.The pulse generating circuit includes an output terminal 142 to whichthe normally closed switch assembly 120 is connected. A capacitor 144 isnormally charged to the potential of a battery 146 over a circuitincluding a series resistor 148 and the closed switch 120. When a pennyis inserted into the coin inlet means 34, the switch assembly 120 isopened and the switch assembly 124 is closed. When the switch assembly124 is closed, the charging circuit for the capacitor 144 isinterrupted, and this capacitor is discharged through a resistanceelement 150. When the penny passes beyond the roller 88 so that theswitch assembly 120 is again operated to a closed condition and theswitch assembly 124 is opened, the discharge path for the capacitor 144is interrupted, and the capacitor 144 is charged from the battery 146.The potential drop appearing across the resistance element 148 isapplied to the output terminal 142 as a negative-going pulse. Thus, thecircuit shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings is controlled by the switchassemblies 120 and 124 to provide a negative-going pulse in response tothe passage of a penny through the coin inlet means 34 into the cylinder44.

Referring now more specifically to the coin ejecting assembly 54 (FIGS.3-6 and 8), each of these assemblies includes a number of coin ejectingslides equal to the largest number of coins that must be ejected fromthe coin dispensing means 26 in any single change dispensing operation.One of these slides is capable of operation both by a manually actuatedkey 152 and under the control of the change computer 24, and theremaining slides, if necessary, are actuated only under the control ofthe change computer 24. Since the coin receiving and dis pensingassembly illustrated in the drawings is used in the penny denominationand since it is necessary to dispense up to four pennies during a singlechange dispensing operation, the illustrated assembly 54 includes fourcoin ejecting slides 154, 156, 158, and 161 that are slidably mounted inspaced parallel positions by a plurality of guide or comb structures 161(FIG. 4) carried on the frame 28. Each of the slides 154, 156, 158, and160 includes a coin receiving opening 162, 164, 166, and 168,respectively, that is aligned with the open lower end of the cylinder44. In the normal condition of the coin ejecting assembly 54 and when anadequate supply of coins is provided in the cylinder 44, a single coinis disposed in each of the coin receiving openings 162, 164, 166, and168.

The coins disposed in these openings are retained in position by a lowerplate 170 which is slidably mounted on the guide structures 161 andwhich is biased to the normal position shown in FIG. 5 by a tensionspring 172 connected between the frame 28 and one end of the slide 170.When the contents of the cylinder 44 are to be discharged, a dependingportion 170a of the plate 170 is manually pulled to the right (FIG. 5)and the plate 170 is moved to the right against the action of the spring172 so that an opening 174 in the plate is moved into alignment with theopenings 162, 164, 166, and 168. This permits all of the coins in thecylinder 44 to be discharged. When the slide 176 is released, the spring172 restores this plate to the position shown in FIG. 5 in which thedischarge of coins from the openings 162, 164, 166, and 168 isobstructed.

In operation, the coin ejecting assembly 54 discharges or transferscoins from the cylinder 44 to the outlet funnel 56 by selectivelyshifting one or more of the slides 154, 156, 158, and 160 from theposition illustrated in FIG. 5 to one in which these coin receivingopenings are aligned with the opening 174 in the slide 170. Thelowermost slide 168 can be shifted to a displaced position either underthe control of the change computer 24 or by manual actuation of the key152, and the remainder of the slides 154, 156, and 158 can be shifted toa displaced position with the openings 162, 164, and 166 aligned withthe opening 174 only under the control of the change computer 24.

To provide means for shifting the ejecting slides 154, 156, 158, and168, each of these plates is provided with an upturned lug at adifferent spaced position along the inner edge thereof that is coupledto an actuating element. Since the actuating means for all of theseslides are identical with the exception of the additional manualactuating means for the lowermost slide 160, only the actuating meansfor this slide is illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The plate 168includes an upturned lug 160a (FIGS. 4 and 8) that is disposed within anotch 176 (FIG. 8) formed in the lower end of an arm 178 that is freelypivoted on a shaft 180 secured to the frame 28. Pivotal movement of thearms 178 on the shaft 180 and the spacing of these arms is guided anddetermined by the engagement of these arms with notches formed in an L-shaped member 179 carried on the frame 28. The arm 178 is normally heldin the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 by a tension spring 182 that isconnected between a pin 184 carried on the arm 178 and a rod 186 that issecured to the frame 28. The normal position of the arm 178 (FIG. 5) isdetermined by engagement of the righthand edge of the slide 160 with theframe 28.

To provide means for manually shifting the plate 160, the key 152 isprovided which is also pivotally mounted on the shaft 186 and whichengages the same notch in the member 179 as the adjacent arm 178 (FIG.3). The key 152 is held in the normal position illustrated in FIG. 5 inwhich an upper edge of the key 152 engages a rod 188 by a compressionspring 190 that extends between the rod 188 and a projecting lug 152aformed integral with the key 152. When the key 152 is depressed to pivotin a clockwise direction (FIG. 5), the edge of the lug 152 bears againstthe right-hand edge of the arm 178 and pivots the arm 178 in a clockwisedirection to move the slide 160 to the left from the position shown inFIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. When the slide 160 has beenadvanced to the position shown in FIG. 6, the coin receiving opening 168therein is moved into alignment with the discharge opening 174 in theslide 170. Thus, only the coin contained in the opening 168 in the slide160 is released to fall into the discharge funnel 56. When the key 152is released, the tension spring 190 pivots the key 152 in acounterclockwise direction into engagement with the rod 188 and thetension spring 182 pivots the arm 178 in a counterclockwise direction tothe normal position determined by engagement of the righthand end of theslide 160 (FIG. 5) with the frame 28. When the slide 160 returns to thisnormal position, the coin contained in the opening 166 in the slide 158drops into the opening 168 in the slide 160, and the coins in theopenings 162, 164 drop to the next lowest opening, the cylinder 44advancing the lowermost coin in the stack into the opening 162 to theuppermost space 154.

To provide means for selectively shifting the ejecting slides 154, 156,158, and 160 under the control of the change computer 24, the ejectingassembly 54 includes four separate linkages for selectively connectingthe four arms 178 to a common actuating means. When the coin dispensingmeans 20 is to be actuated, these four transmitting linkages areselectively rendered effective and ineffective under the control of foursolenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 (FIG. 3) which are selectivelyenergized by the change computer 24 when one, two, three, and fourpennies, respectively, are to be dispensed. In the sectional view shownin FIGS. 5 and 6, the linkage controlled by the solenoid 194 fordispensing the second penny by shifting the second lowest ejecting slide158 has been removed to illustrate the details of the linkage controlledby the solenoid 192 for shifting the lowermost slide 160 to dispense asingle penny. However, the linkages controlled by all four of thesolenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 are identical.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 of the drawings,each of the linkages includes a lever 260 that is pivotally connected toa link 202 by a pivot pin 204 which is received within an opening 206 inthe lever 202 and which is secured to this lever by a washer 268 and alock washer 210. The link 202 includes an elongated opening 212 forslidably receiving a pin 214 secured to the arm 178. The pin 214 issecured within the opening 212 by a washer 216 and a lock washer 218.

The lever 200 is pivotally mounted on an arm 220 by means of a pivot pin222 which is secured to an upper end of the arm 22!) and which isreceived within an opening 224 in the lever 200. A lock washer 226 ismounted on the outer end of the pivot pin 222 to secure the lever 200 inposition. The arm 220 includes a U-shaped lower portion 220a that ispivotally mounted on a rod 228 secured between two walls of the mainframe 28. An L-shaped member 230, which is also secured between thewalls of the frame 28, includes a plurality of notches along one edge ofthe horizontal portion thereof for slidably receiving the spaced edgesof the U-shaped portion 220a so as to guide pivotal movement of the arm220 and to maintain the four arms 220 in a proper spaced relationship.

The common operating means for actuating selected ones of the arms 178through the linkages and under the control of the change computer 24 isprovided by the outlet funnel 56. This outlet funnel is pivotallymounted on the frame 28 beneath the opening 174 (FIGS. 4-6) by a pair ofpins 232 which are pivotally mounted on a pair of lugs 234 dependingfrom the lower wall of the frame 28. A rod 236 positioned within andsecured to the upper end of the outlet funnel 56 is pivotally connectedto a pair of links 238 that are mounted on the pivot pins 232. The rod236 is connected to each of the operating linkages in the coindispensing means 20 by a plurality of links 240. Each of the links 240is pivotally mounted on the shaft 236 at its lower end and is providedat its upper end with an aperture 242 in which is pivotally received apin 244 that is secured to one end of the lever 200. A latching plate246, which is disposed between the link 240 and the lever 200, includesan opening 248 for receiving the pivot pin 244. The link 240, thelatching plate 246, and the lever 200 are held in assembled relationshipon the pin 244 by a lock washer 250 (FIG. 4). A tension spring 252connected between each of the latching plates 246 and a rod 254 carriedon the frame 28 resiliently biases the outlet funnel 56 and the linkagesto the position shown in FIG. 5.

The linkages in the ejecting assembly 54 described above are selectivelyrendered effective to connect selected ones of the arms 178 foractuation by movement of the outlet funnel 56 under the control of thesolenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 which control the pivotal movements ofthe arms 220. If a particular one of the arms178 is to be moved, therelated arm 220 in the linkage is locked against pivotal movement. Onthe other hand, if a particular one of the arms 178 is not to beactuated, the arm 220 in the related linkage is freed for pivotalmovement. The solenoids 194 and 198 (FIG. 3) for controlling theactuating linkages for the second lowest and top ejecting slides 158 and154, respectively, are secured to the L-shaped member 230, and thesolenoids 192 and 196 for controlling the operating linkages for thelowermost and third slides 160 and 156, respectively, are mounted in adepending relation from an L-shaped member 256 that is secured betweenthe side walls of the main frame 28. The solenoids 194 and 198 control apair of detent arms 258 and 260 (FIG. 3) which are pivotally mounted ona shaft 262 that is secured to the side walls of the frame 28. Thepivoted ends of the detent arms 258 and 260 are maintained in a properspaced relationship and are guided for pivotal movement by engagementwith the walls of aligned notches formed in the ends of the verticallyextending portions of the L- shaped members 230 and 256. An intermediateportion of each of the detent arms 258 and 260 is provided with anoffset portion 258a and 260a, respectively, that is positioned above thecores or pole pieces of the adjacent solenoids 194 and 198. The detentarms 258 and 260 are also biased to the normal position shown in FIG. 5by a pair of tension springs 264 connected between the free ends ofthese arms and an offset portion of a member 266 that is secured betweenthe side walls of the frame 28. The lower end of the verticallyextending portion of the member 266 is provided with notches for guidingpivotal movement of the latch arms 258 and 260 and for limitingcounterclockwise movement (FIG. 5) of these arms. The outer or free endsof the detent arms 258 and 260 are provided with shouldered or detentportions 258]) and 26021 that are adapted to be moved into interlockingrelation with an offset lug 22011 on the related arm 220.

The solenoids 192 and 196 control a pair of detent arms 268 and 270,respectively, which are pivotally mounted on the shaft 262 and which aremaintained in a spaced relation and guided for pivotal movement byengagement with notches formed in the members 230, 256, and 266. Each ofthese arms includes an offset portion, such as the portion 268a (FIGS. 5and 6), disposed beneath the pole piece or core of the related one ofthe solenoids 192 and 196 and a shouldered or detent portion, such asdetent portion 268b, at its opposite end for cooperating with the offsetlug 22017 on the related element 220. Two springs 272 connected betweenthe detent arms 268 and 270 and the member 266 normally bias these armsto the normal position shown in FIG. 5.

When the coin dispensing means 220 is operated under the control of thechange computer 24, a selected number of the solenoids 192, 194, 196,and 198 is energized. Assuming that two pennies are to be dischargedfrom the cylinder 44 under the control of the change computer 24, thesolenoids 192 and 194 are energized so that the detent arms 268 and 258are pivoted in a clockwise direction from the position shown in FIG. 5to the position shown in FIG. 6. In this position, the detent portion268]) on the arm 268 moves into interlocking engagement with the lug2201) on the related arm 220, and the similar detent portion on the arm258 moves into interlocking engagement with the lug 2201) on the arm 226in the second linkage. However, the detent arms 270 and 260 remain innormal position so that the arms 220 associated with these latch armsare free to pivot about the rod 228.

When the change computer 24 has completed its operation and the changeis to be dispensed, the outlet funnel 56 is pivoted in acounterclockwise direction about the pivot pins 232 so that all of thelinks 246 in the coin dispensing means 20 are moved downwardly from theposition shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6. In ejectingassembly 54, the downward movement of the two links 240 in the linkagesassociated with the solenoids 196 and 198 results in clockwise pivotalmovement of the two related elements 220 about the shaft 228 so that thearms 178 connected to the slides 154 and 156 are not moved. However, thetwo arms 220 associated with the solenoids 192 and 194 are blockedagainst clockwise rotation so that the downward movement of the twolinks 240 in these two linkages results in clockwise movement of the twolevers 226 about the pivot pins 222 so that the two related links 2&2move to the left from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shownin FIG. 6. This causes clockwise rotation of the two connected arms 17%about the shaft 18% so that the lowermost two slides 158 and 160 aremoved to the position shown in FIG. 6 in which the coin receivingopenings 166 and 168 in these two slides are moved into alignment withthe opening 174 in the slide 170. This discharges two pennies into theoutlet funnel 56 from the cylinder 44 concurrently with the discharge ofother coins from the other coin receiving and discharging assemblies inthe coin dispensing means 2%. When the outlet funnel Ed is pivoted tothe position shown in FIG. 6, a lug 274 (FIGS. 5 and 6) on the outletfunnel engages and operates an actuating element for a switch 276. Theswitch 276 can supply a reset signal to the change computer 24 so thatthe energized solenoids 192 and 194 are released.

During downward movement of the two links 24-h associated with theenergized solenoids 192 and 194, a notched or shouldered portion 246a onthe two latch plates 246 associated with these two links 240 moves intointerlocking engagement with a pair of lugs, such as a lug 268s (FIG.8), on the detent arms 268 and 258 (FIG. 6). When the solenoids 192 and194 are released and when the outlet funnel 56 is released, the tensionsprings 152 connected to the two displaced arms 178 and all four of thetension springs 252 act on the four links 249 to move these linksupwardly to the normal position shown in FIG. 5 and to pivot the outletfunnel 56 in a clockwise direction about the pins 232 so that the switch276 is released and the linkages are restored to the normal pos tionshown in FIG. 5. During this movement, the displaced detent arms 258 and268 are pivoted in a counterclockwise direction by the connected tensionsprings 26% and 272 and by the upward movement of the latch plates 246in the two linkages in which the arms 178 were displaced. During thisreturn movement, the shouldered portions 246a on the two effectivelatching plates 246 are moved out of engagement with the lugs, such asthe lug 268a, and the displaced slides 158 and 160 are restored to theirnormal position by the counterclockwise movement of the two displacedarms 173 under the control of the connected springs 182. When the twoslides 158 and 160 are returned to their normal position, two additionalcoins are discharged from the lower end of the cylinder 44 to fill thecoin receiving openings 166 and 16%.

Each of the coin receiving and dispensing assemblies in the coindispensing means 2t) also includes an assembly for determining thepresence of an adequate supply of coins in the associated one of thecylinders 44, 46, 48, 5t), and 52. This assembly is automaticallyoperated in re sponse to each actuation of the slide plate used todischarge a single coin from each of these assemblies into the outletfunnel 56.

In the assembly for receiving and dispensing pennies, the coin detectingmeans comprises an element 278 (FIGS. 46 and 8) having an intermediateportion that is pivotally mounted on a rod 23-!) secured to the mainframe 28. A first upwardly extending portion 282 of the element 278carries a pin 284 which is connected to a pin 286 on the arm 178connected to the lowest slide 160 by tension spring 283. A lug 282a onthe portion 2822. engages the arm 173 to limit counterclockwisemovevrnent of the element 278 about the shaft 280. Accordingly, when thearm 178 is pivoted in a clockwise direction, the bracket 278 is pivotedin a counterclockwise direction about the shaft 280 by the spring 238.The element 278 also includes a depending arm 29%) having a protuberancethat is aligned with an opening 292 formed in the lower end of thecylinder 44.

When the element 278 is pivoted in a counterclockwise lid direction, theprotuberance on the depending arm 290 moves into the opening 292. If anadequate supply of coins is provided in the magazine or cylinder 44, theend of the protuberance on the arm 29% engages the coins and furthercounterclockwise movement of the element 278 is prevented. The remainingmovement of the arm 178 is taken up by elongation of the spring 288.However, if the level of the coins provided in the cylinder 44 hasdropped below the lower edge of the opening 292, the protuberance on thearm 29!? is free to enter the interior of the cylinder 44, and theelement 273 is pivoted further in a counterclockwise direction. Duringthis further or continuing counterclockwise movement of the element 273,a lug on a second outwardly extending arm 294 on the element 27% engagesand operates a switch 296 mounted on the frame 23. The actuation of theswitch 296 illuminates a lamp 298 (FIG. 1) to provide a visibleindication that the supply of coins in at least one of the cylinders 44,46, 48, 5G and 52 has become depleted.

Referring now more specifically to the change computer 24, this circuitprovides means for controlling the selective energization of thesolenoids, such as the solenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198, in the coindispensing means 2% to automatically dispense change in accordance withthe cents portion of an established charge and the amount of coinstendered by a purchaser. The circuit of the change computer 24 isillustrated in FIG. 9 as a logic diagram in which the components of thecircuit are illustrated by logic symbols. The logic symbols compriseblocks with identifying characters therein designating the functionperformed by the circuit represented by the block. In FIG. 9, logical ORgates are represented by a logical AND gates by an X, bistable switchingcircuits or flip-flops by a B, bistable counting stages by an F,monostable circuits by an M, pulse delay circuits by a D, and amplifiercircuits by an A. In addition, the conductors interconnecting thevarious: blocks of the logic diagram terminate in triangles indicatingthe direction of flow of signals over the conductors. Those of theconductors over which pulses are transmitted terminate in opentriangles, whereas the conductors over which steady state potentials areapplied terminate in solid triangles. Although the various circuitcomponents illustrated by the logic blocks are well known, suitablecomponents of a type that can be used in the circuit shown in FIG. 9 areillustrated and described in detail in two books by R. K. Richardsentitled Arithmetic Operations in Digital Computers and Digital ComputerComponents and Circuits published by D. Van Norstrand Company, Inc.

The change computer 24 includes four counting rings or circuits 390,3412, 304, and 306 which control the discharge of pennies, dimes andnickels, quarters, and half dollars by the coin dispensing means 20 andwhich are adapted to store corresponding portions of the cents part ofthe change to be dispensed. The change computer 24 is so arranged as todispense the minimum number of coins required to provide the desiredamount of change. Therefore, the half dollar counting ring 306 and thequarter counting ring 304 comprise only a single bistable or binarycounting stage. The counting rings 308 and 302, which store amounts upto four cents and from five to twenty cents, respectively, each comprisethree binary or bistable counting stages. The cents counting ring 3%includes three binary counting stages 307, 393, and 309, and the dimesand nickels counting ring 302 includes three bistable or binary countingstages 311, 312, and 313.

The counting rings 300 and 3% can be of the same general type as thecounting circuit registers shown and described in detail in thecopending application of Gunnar E. Sundblad, Serial No. 845,873, filedOctober 12, 1959, which application is assigned to the same assignee asthe present application, except that the normal binary countingprogression of the three series connected binary counting stages 397 339and 311-313 is modified so that the application of each fifth operatingsignal to the input stage Digit Value Complement Digit 0 O X 0 0 0 O X 0X X 0 X 0 O X 0 0 X X 0 0 X Although the above table illustrates thepatterns of conductive conditions in the counting ring 300, the stages311L313 correspond to the stages 307-309 so that the counting ring 302provides conductive patterns identical to those shown in the table.

In order to control the operation of the solenoids in the coindispensing means 20, each of the binary stages in the counting circuits300, 302, 304, and 306 is connected to one or more of these solenoidseither directly or through functional AND or OR gates. Since the changecomputer 24 is arranged to provide the minimum number of coins requiredin any amount of change between one cent and ninety-nine cents, only asingle control solenoid is provided for dispensing half dollars from thecylinder 52 and a single solenoid for dispensing quarters from thecylinder 50. Accordingly, the output of the single binary stage formingthe counting circuit 306 is connected to the control solenoid fordispensing change from the cylinder 52 through an amplifier 3l4, and theoutput of the single binary stage forming the counting circuit 304 isconnected to the single solenoid for dispensing quarters from themagazine 50 through an amplifier 316. The output of the binary stage 311in the dimes and nickels counting circuit 302 is connected to the singlesolenoid for dispensing nickels from the cylinder 46 through anamplifier 318. The third stage 313 in the counting circuit 302 isconnected through an amplifier 320 to the solenoid for controlling thedischarge of the second dime from the cylinder 48 and through an OR gate322 and an amplifier 324 to the solenoid for dispensing the first orsingle dime from the cylinder 48. In a similar manner, four amplifiers336, 338, 340, and 342 connected to the solenoids 198, 196, 194, and 192in the ejecting assembly 54 are selectively energized under the controlof the three counting stages 307-309 through four OR gates 328, 330,332, and 334 and a single AND gate 326. The amplifiers 336, 338, 340,and 342 energize the connected solenoids in accordance with the value ofthe binary coded digit stored in the counting ring 300.

FIG. 11 of the drawings illustrates a typical circuit configuration forone of the binary stages in the counting circuit provided in the changecomputer, such as the binary counting stage 309. The counting stage 309includes a pair of transistors 344 and 346 having crossconnected baseand collector electrodes so that only one or the other of thetransistors 344 and 346 can be placed in conduction at any given time.The counting stage 309 is placed in a normal condition by applying anegativegoing pulse through a diode 348 to render the transistor 344conductive. This places the transistor 346 in a nonconductive condition.In its normal or reset condition, the stage 309 applies ground potentialto the base of a transistor 350 which forms a part of the amplifier 336for energizing the solenoid 198. The more positive potential provided inthe reset condition of the binary counting stage 309 renders thetransistor 350 nonconductive so that the solenoid 198 is not energized.However, when 16 the counting stage 309 is operated to its alternateconductive state in which the transistor 344 is nonconductive and thetransistor 346 is in conduction, a more negative potential is applied tothe base of the transistor 350 so that this transistor conducts toenergize the winding of the solenoid 198.

When the change computer 24 is placed in operation, all of the countingcircuits 300, 302, 304, and 306 are placed in a reset condition in whichall of the individual counting stages are in a binary 0 condition. Thisresetting operation is performed by an OR gate 352 which supplies anegative-going reset pulse under the control of either the cash register26 or the switch assembly 276 that is operated by the output funnel 56at the end of each change dispensing operation. The negative-going pulseprovided at the output of the OR gate 352 is forwarded to all of thebinary counting stages, such as the stage 309, through a plurality ofdiodes similar to the diode 348. This places all of the counting stages307409 and 311-313 and the single counting stages forming the countingcircuit 304 and 306 in a reset or binary 0 condition, as indicated inthe table above.

This reset pulse is also applied to a bistable circuit 354 to operate itto its binary 0 or reset condition and to another bistable circuit 356to also operate this circuit to its reset condition. The negative-goingpulse is further forwarded through an OR gate 358 to reset a bistablecircuit 360. The reset pulse also passes through an OR gate 378 to reseta bistable circuit 364. The change computer 24 is now in a condition toreceive the cents portion of the charge.

As indicated above, the change computer 24 is provided with the centsportion of a charge or a first amount from an external unit of datahandling equipment, such as the cash register 26. Although any suitablesignal source can be utilized, the cash register 26 can comprise a unitof the type shown and described in detail in the above identifiedcopending application of Gunnar E. Sundblad or the copending applicationof Gosta R. Englund, Serial No. 6,522, filed February 3, 1960, whichlatter copending application is also assigned to the same assignee asthe present application. As disclosed in these two copendingapplications, the cash register 26 includes means operable during acycle of operation in which a total is established for first operating asignal generator 26a to supply a reset pulse to the OR gate 352.Thereafter, a pair of differentially operable pulse generators 26b and260 concurrently provide two series of pulses equal in number to thevalues of the unit cents digit and the ten cents digit, respectively, ofthe total or first amount. The cash register 26 can also include a pairof signal generating means 26d and 26a actuated in synchronism with therotation of the main shaft in the cash register 26 for supplying anegativegoing signal for complementing the value standing in thecounting circuits 300, 302, 304, and 306 and a signal that is applied tothe lowest ordered counting ring 300 to convert the complemented valueinto a true value in the manner well known in the art.

Assuming that the cash register 26 establishes a total in which thecents portion thereof is seventy-six cents, the signal generator 26afirst applies a reset pulse to the OR gate 352 which performs thefunctions described above. The signal generators 26b and 260 then supplysix negative-going pulses and seven negative-going pulses, respectively,representing the units and cents digits 6 and 7. The six negative-goingpulses provided by the generator 26b are forwarded through an OR gate362 to the input of the counting ring 300 so that the binary countingstages 307-309 are operated to a pattern of conductive conditions inwhich the stage 307 is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 303 and309 are in a binary 0 condition. When the fifth operating pulse isapplied to the counting ring 300 so that it resets to its normalcondition, the last stage 309 generates a negativegoing overflow orcarry pulse that is applied to the bistable circuit 364 to operate thiscircuit to its binary 1 condition. The bistable circuit 364 provides ameans for delaying a carry from the counting ring 300 into the countingring 302 until the operation of the counting ring 302 under the controlof the signal generator 26c has been completed.

The negative-going pulses from the ten cents signal generator 260 areforwarded through an OR gate 366 to a rnonostable circuit 368. Since thecounting ring 302 operates in steps that each represent a monetaryincrement of five cents, the rnonostable circuit 368 converts each ofthe pulses supplied by the OR gate 366 into two negative-going pulsesthat are forwarded through an OR gate 370 to the input of the countingring 302. Accordingly, the seven pulses provided at the output of thesignal generator 260 are converted into fourteen negative-going pulsesthat are applied through the gate 370 to the input of the counting ring302. In response to the receipt of these signals, the counting ring 302is operated to a condition in which the stages 311 and 312 are in abinary condition and the stage 313 is in a binary 1 condition.

When the fifth and tenth negative-going pulses are applied to the inputof the counting ring 302, the output stage 313 thereof is shifted from abinary 1 to a binary 0 condition so as to forward two negative-goingpulses through an OR gate 372 to the single bistable circuit forming thequarter counting circuit 304. These two pulses operate the countingcircuit 304 to a binary 1 condition and then to a binary 0 condition sothat a negative-going pulse is forwarded through an OR gate 374 to theinput of the single bistable circuit forming the half dollar countingcircuit 306. This single negativegoing pulse operates the circuit 306 toa binary l condition.

Following the transmission of the pulses by the generators 26b and 26c,the pulse generator 26d supplies a negative-going pulse to a rnonostablecircuit 376 so that this circuit sequentially generates twonegative-going pulses on the two output leads thereof. The first ofthese pulses is forwarded through the OR gate 378 to return the bistablecircuit 364 to its binary 0 condition. When the circuit 364 returns toits reset condition, a negative-going pulse is forwarded through the ORgate 370 to the input of the counting ring 302 representing the delayedcarry out of the pennies counting ring 300. This negative-going pulseoperates the counting ring 302 to a condition in which the countingstage 313 is returned to a binary 0 condition so that all of the stages311313 are now in this condition.

The change in the conductive state of the counting stage 313 generatesanother negative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 372to operate the single counting stage in the circuit 304 to its binary 1condition. Thus, the existence of binary 1 conditions in the countingcircuits 304 and 306 and the single counting stage 307 in the countingring 300 provides a conductive pattern representing the first amount ofseventy-six cents transferred to the change computer 24 from the cashregister 26. It should be noted that if the counting ring 300 has notbeen operated through a complete cycle of operation to produce anegativegoing pulse for operating the bistable circuit 364 to its binary1 condition, the first pulse provided by the rnonostable circuit 376does not have any effect on the register means provided by the countingcircuits 300, 302, 304, and 306.

The second pulse generated by the rnonostable circuit 376 converts thefirst amount stored in the change computer 24 to its complementaryvalue. More specifically, when a negative-going pulse is applied to thesecond output lead from the rnonostable circuit 376, the circuits 304and 306 are operated to a binary 0 condition, the counting circuit 302is operated to a condition 13 in which the stage 313 is in a binary 1condition and the stages 311 and 312 are in a binary 0 condition, andthe counting circuit 300 is operated to a conductive pattern in whichthe stages 307 and 308 are in a binary 1 condition and the stage 309 isin a binary 0 condition.

The negative-going pulse provided by the monstable circuit 376 is alsoforwarded through an OR gate 380 to operate the bistable circuit 360 toits binary 1 condition. In this condition, a negative enabling potentialis removed from an AND gate 382, and a negative potential is applied tothe input of an amplifier 384. The energization of the amplifier 384causes the illumination of a lamp 386 (FIGS. 1 and 9) to provide anindication that the first amount has been received from the cashregister 26 and has been converted to its complementary value. Thenegative-going pulse from the rnonostable circuit 376 is also applied tothe bistable circuit 354 to operate this circuit to its binary 1condition in which an enabling potential is supplied to the related leadof the AND gate 382.

The signal generator 26e is the cash register 26 now supplies anegative-going pulse through the OR gate 362 to the input of thecounting ring 300 so that the series connected counters 300, 302, 304,and 306 are operated to a true complementary value. The negativegoingpulse supplied through the gate 362 to the counting ring 300 operatesthe counting stages 307 and 303 to a binary 0 condition and the stage309 to a binary 1 condition. Thus the binary 1 conditions existing inonly the counting stages 309 and 313 provides a representation of thetrue value of the complement of the first amount entered which had avalue of seventy-six cents. More specifically, the negative potentialprovided at the output of the counting stage 309 is forwarded to allfour of the amplifiers 336, 338, 340, and 342 so that all of thesolenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 are energized to condition the ejectingassembly 54 for discharging four pennies from the cylinder 44.Similarly, the negative potential provided at the output of the stage313 is forwarded to the two amplifiers 320 and 324 so that two solenoidsfor dispensing two dimes from the cylinder 48 are energized. If theoutlet funnel 56 is now displaced in the manner described above,twentyfour cents will be dispensed in the form of two dimes and fourpennies. This amount is equal to the difference between the first amountor charge of seventysix cents and the value of the lowest denominationbill or note, i.e., a one dollar bill.

The negative-going pulse provided by the generator 26:: is alsoforwarded through an OR circuit 388, a pulse delay circuit 390, and theOR gate 378 to operate the bistable circuit 364 to its reset or binary 0condition. In the event that the pulse previously applied by thegenerator 26e to the input of the counting ring 300 advances thiscounting circuit to its reset condition so that a carry pulse is appliedto the bistable circuit 364, the same pulse is delayed in the circuit390 and is used to reset the bistable circuit 364 to develop anegative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the gate 370 to thedimes and nickels counting ring 302.

The change computer 25 operates in the manner described above to controlthe coin dispensing means 20 to discharge two dimes and four pennies ascorrect change for the first amount of seventy-six cents transferredfrom the cash register 26 in the event that no coins are tendered inpayment for the cents portion of this first amount. If, however, thecustomer or purchaser tenders coins in varying values to the cashier inpayment for the first amount, these coins are inserted through the coininlets 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42, and the change computer 24 automaticallyoperates to vary the amount of change dispensed by the coin dispensingmeans 20 in accordance with the total value of the coins tendered.

If the customer tenders coins having a total value less than the centsportion of the charge, the change computer 24 returns an amount equal tothe sum of the total value of the coins tendered by the customer and theditference between the first amount and one dollar. Assuming that thecustomer tenders fifty-three cents in payment for the seventy-six centamount transferred from the cash register 26 in the form of threepennies and one half dollar, the cashier advances the half dollarthrough the coin inlet 42 into the cylinder 52 and the three penniesthrough the coin inlet 34 into the cylinder 44. The first penny advancedthrough the coin inlet 34 operates the signal generating meanscontrolled by the switch assemblies 120 and 124, such as the circuitshown in FIG. 10 of the drawings, to provide a negative-going pulse thatis forwarded through the OR gate 362 to advance the counter 300 to asetting in which all of the counting stages 307-309 are in a binarycondition and a negative-going carry pulse is supplied to the bistablecircuit 364 to operate it to its binary 1 condition. The negative-goingpulse at the output of the coin inlet 34 is also forwarded through theOR gate 338, the pulse delay circuit 390, and the OR gate 378 to restorethe bistable circuit 364 to it binary 0 condition. This generates anegative-going pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 370 toadvance the counting ring 302 a single step. At the end of this singlestep of operation, all of the counting stages 311-313 are in a binary 0condition. When the stage 313 restores to a binary 0 condition, anegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate thecounting circuit 304 to a binary 1 condition.

The first negative-going pulse provided at the output of any given oneof the coin inlets, such as the coin inlet 34, is forwarded through anOR gate 392 to operate the bistable circuit 356 to its binary 1condition. This transition in the conductive stage of the circuit 356forwards a negative-going pulse through the OR gate 358 to operate thebistable circuit 360 to its binary 0 condition. This causes the bistablecircuit 360 to remove the negative potential from the input of theamplifier 384 so that the lamp 386 is extinguished and to apply thesecond enabling potential to the AND gate 382 so that a negativepotential is supplied to an amplifier 394. This energizes the amplifier394 so that a lamp 336 (FIGS. 1 and 9) is illuminated. The terminationof the illumination of the lamp 386 and the illumination of the lamp 396provides a visible indication that at least one coin has been insertedinto the coin dispensing means 20.

When the remaining two pennies are advanced through the coin inlet 34,the counting circuit 300 is advanced to a setting in which the stage 308is in a binary 1 condition and the stages 307 and 309 are in a binary 0condition. When the half dollar is advanced through the coin inlet 42, anegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to be appliedto the input of the counting circuit 306. This operates this countingcircuit to a binary 1 condition.

7 At this time, the counting circuits 304 and 306 are both in a binary 1state, all of the stages 311313 in the counting circuit 302 are in abinary 0 condition, and only the stage 308 in the counting circuit 300is in a binary 1 condition. Thus, the solenoids 192 and 194 associatedwith the penny cylinder 44 and the solennoids associated with thequarter cylinder 50 and the half dollar cylinder 52 are operated. If theoutlet funnel 56 is mannually operated in the manner described above,one half dollar, one quarter, and two pennies having a total value ofseventy-seven cents are dispensed. This equals the sum of the coinsinserted (fifty-three cents) and the diiference (twenty-four cents)between the first amount (seventy-six cents) and one dollar.Accordingly, the cashier can return all of the coins dis- 20 charged bythe coin dispensing machine 20 to the purchaser in return for the lowestvalue bill, and no additional mental operations or change makingoperations are required.

If the correct coin change is supplied by the customer and inserted intothe coin dispensing means 20, the change computer 24 prevents thedischarge of any coins by the means 20 when the outlet funnel 56 isactuated. Assuming that the customer provides one penny, one quarter,and one half dollar in payment for the seventysix cent charge, theinsertion of the first penny through the coin inlet 34 performs theoperations described above, and the insertion of the half dollar throughthe coin inlet 42 advances the counting circuit 306 to a binary 1condition. The counting circuits 300 and 302 are now in a resetcondition, and the counting circuits 304 and 306 are in a binary 1condition. When the quarter is advanced through the coin inlet 40, anegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to operate thecounting circuit 304 to a binary 0 condition. This produces anegative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the OR gate 374 tooperate the half dollar counting circuit 306 to a binary 0 condition;Since none of the solenoids in the coin dispensing means 20 areoperated, the manual actuation of the outlet funnel 56 cannot result inthe discharge of any coins. In addition, when the counting circuit 306is operated from a binary l to a binary 0 condition, a negative-goingpulse is forwarded through a pulse delay circuit 398 and the OR gate 380to operate the bistable circuit 360 to its binary 1 condition. Thisremoves the negative potential from one input to the AND gate 382 sothat the lamp 396 is no longer illuminated. The termination of theillumination of the lamp 396 provides a visual indication that change inat least the amount of the charge has been inserted into the coindispensing means 20.

If the customer supplies coins of a value greater than the cents portionof the charge or first amount, the change computer 24 controls the coindispenser 20 to return the difference between the value of the coinsinserted and the charge. Assuming that the customer provides one halfdollar, one quarter, and one dime in payment for the seventy-six centcharge, the insertion of the dime into the cylinder 48 through the coininlet 38 produces a negative-going pulse that is forwarded through theOR gate 392 to perform the functions described above. In addition, thisnegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 366 to operate themonostable circuit 368 to supply two negative-going pulses through theOR gate 370 to the input of the counting circuit 302. This advances thecircuit 302 through two operating steps so that the stage 311 is in abinary 1 condition and the stages 312 and 313 are in a binary 0condition. The application of the first pulse to the input of thecounting circuit 302 also produces a negative-going carry pulse at theoutput of the stage 313 that is forwarded through the OR gate 372 tooperate the counting circuit 304 to a binary 1 condition. When thequarter is subsequently advanced through the coin inlet 40, anegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 372 to return thecounting circuit 304 to a binary 0 condition. However, this transistionproduces a negative-going carry pulse that is forwarded through the ORgate 374 to operate the counting circuit 306 to a binary 1 condition.When the half dollar is advanced through the coin inlet 42, anegative-going pulse is forwarded through the OR gate 374 to return thecounting circuit 306 to a binary 0 condition. This transition produces anegativegoing pulse that is again forwarded through the pulse delaycircuit 398 to terminate the illumination of the lamp 396 so that avisible indication is produced that coins at least equalling the valueof the charge have been inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

At this time, the counting circuit 3%, which was not operated by thecoin inlet 3 remains in a condition in which the binary stage 309 is ina conductive condition tocause the energization of all four of thesolenoids 192, 194, 196, and 198 associated with the penny cylinder 44-.In the counting circuit 302, the stage 311 is in a binary 1 condition sothat the amplifier 313 energizes the solenoid for shifting the singleslide plate associated with the nickel cylinder 46. The countingcircuits 304 and 306 are in a binary condition. Accordingly, when theoutlet funnel 56 is pivoted in the manner described above, one nickeland four pennies are discharged from the cylinders 46 and 44-,respectively, to provide dispensed change in the amount of nine cents.This is equal to the difierence between the seventy-six cent charge andthe eighty-five cents inserted into the coin dispensing means 20.

Whenever the outlet funnel $6 is manually actuated in the mannerdescribed above, the switch assembly 276 is operated to supply anegative-going pulse through the OR gate 352. This negative-going pulseresets all of the counting circuits 3%, 392, 304, and 3% and sets thebistable circuits 354, 356, 360, and 364 to their 0 condition. In thiscondition, the lamps 386 and 396 are not illuminated.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to asingle illustrative embodiment thereof, it should be understood thatnumerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by thoseskilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of theprinciples of this invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

1. In a coin dispensing apparatus, a plurality of counting circuits,means for supplying signals to less than all of said counting circuitsto operate said counting circuits to a setting representing a firstamount, coin controlled means for supplying signals to all of saidcounting circuits to operate said circuits to a setting representing thedifference between said first amount and the value of the coinsrepresented by the signals supplied by said coin controlled means, and acoin dispensing mechanism controlled by said counting circuits fordispensing coins in an amount corresponding to said diiference.

2. In a change dispensing apparatus, a plurality of signal responsivecounting means operable to different settings representing diiierentmonetary amounts, first signaling means for applying signals to saidcounting means to operate said plurality of counting means to settingsrepresenting a first amount, second signaling means including meansactuated by engagement with one or more coins for applying signals tosaid plurality of counting means to operate said counting means to asetting representing the difference between said first amount and theamount represented by said coins, and means controlled by said pluralityof counting means for dispensing coins in the amount of said difference.

3. In a change dispensing apparatus, a plural stage counting meansoperable to different settings representing different amounts, firstsignaling means for supplying a signal to said counting means to operatesaid counting means to a setting representing a first amount, secondsignaling means for supplying signals to said counting meansrepresenting a second amount to be subtracted from said first amount,means including means actuated by engagement with a coin of at least onevalue for operating said second signaling means to operate said countingmeans to a setting representing the dilference between said first andsecond amounts, a coin dispensing mechanism including a plurality ofseparate dispensing control means, and means connecting different onesof said control means in said coin dispensing mechanism to differentones of the stages in said counting means so that said coin dispensingmechanism discharges coins in the value of said difference.

4. In a coin dispensing apparatus, a plurality of electronic countingrings, first circuit means connecting said plurality of counting ringsin a series counting chain, first means for supplying a group includingless than all of said counting rings with signals to operate saidcounting chain to a setting representing a first amount, a plurality ofseparate signal generators each actuated by a difierent valued coin togenerate a signal representing the monetary amount corresponding to thevalue of the corresponding coin, second circuit means connecting saidplurality or" signal generators to said counting rings to operate saidcounting rings to settings representing the difference between saidfirst amount and the monetary amount represented by the signals suppliedby said signal generators, and means controlled by said counting ringsfor dispensing coins corresponding to said difierence.

5. The coin dispensing apparatus set forth in claim 4 including meanscontrolled by the highest denomination counting ring in said countingchain for indicating whether said monetary amount is greater than orless than said first amount.

6. In a coin dispensing apparatus, coin dispensing means for dischargingcoins of different values less than the value of a bill or note of agiven value, a computing means, first control means for supplying saidcomputing means with signals representing a first amount, second controlmeans for supplying said computing means with signals representing thevalue of tendered coins, and third control means controlled by saidcomputing means for operating said coin dispensing means to dispensecoins equal in value to the sum of the total amount of the coinstendered and the difference between said first amount and said givenvalue.

7. In a coin dispensing apparatus, register means including a pluralityof pairs of controlled conduction devices operable to alternateconductive states, first signal means for applying signals to saidregister means to operate the pairs of controlled conduction devices toa first pattern of conductive states representing a first amount, secondsignal means for applying signals to said register means to operate saidpairs of controlled conduction devices to a second pattern of conductivestates representing the complement of said first amount, coin dispensingmeans for dispensing coins of different denominations, and meansresponsive to said second pattern for operating said coin dispensingmeans to discharge coins equal in value to the complement of said firstamount.

8. In a coin dispensing apparatus, register means including a pluralityof pairs of controlled conduction de vices operable to alternateconductive states, first signal means for applying signals to saidregister means to operate the pairs of controlled conduction devices toa first pattern of conductive states representing a first amount, secondsignal means for applying signals to said register means to operate saidpairs of controlled conduction devices to a second pattern of conductivestates representing the complement of said first amount, coin actuatedmeans for supplying coin value representing signals to said registermeans to operate said pairs of controlled conduction devices to a thirdpattern of conductive states representing the difference between saidfirst amount and the total value of the coins represented by said coinvalue representing signals, coin dispensing means for dispensing coinsof different values, and means controlled by said pairs of controlledconduction devices for operating said coin dispensing means to dispensecoins in accordance with the amounts represented by a selected one ofsaid second and third patterns.

9. In a change dispensing apparatus; register means; first means foroperating said register means to a first setting representing an amountof change to be dispensed; control means actuated by coins of differentvalue for operating said register means from said first setting throughdifferent settings representing a progressively increasing amount ofchange, no change, and a progressively increas-

1. IN A COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS, A PLURALITY OF COUNTING CIRCUITS,MEANS FOR SUPPLYING SIGNALS TO LESS THAN ALL OF SAID COUNTING CIRCUITSTO OPERATE SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS TO A SETTING REPRESENTING A FIRSTAMOUNT, COIN CONTROLLED MEANS FOR SUPPLYING SIGNALS TO ALL OF SAIDCOUNTING CIRCUITS TO OPERATE SAID CIRCUITS TO A SETTING REPRESENTING THEDIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAID FIRST AMOUNT AND THE VALUE OF THE COINSREPRESENTED BY THE SIGNALS SUPPLIED BY SAID COIN CONTROLLED MEANS, AND ACOIN DISPENSING MECHANISM CONTROLLED BY SAID COUNTING CIRCUITS FORDISPENSING COINS IN AN AMOUNT CORRESPONDING TO SAID DIFFERENCE.